Edo State governor Monday Okpebholo has completed remedial works on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road to facilitate motorists’ movement.
Okpebholo, who undertook a tour of the expressway from Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie to other areas, expressed satisfaction with the specifications and job done by the contractor who handled the project.
The governor, who spoke to journalists after the inspection, said his administration acknowledges that the Edo people also use federal roads and that, as such, his administration will continue to collaborate with the federal government to fix the roads for the benefit of the people of the state.
He said, “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the state. Initially, the road was not passable, as several accidents were recorded, both small and big vehicles, and lives were also lost.
“Once upon a time, we had a government in Edo State that used to place sign boards across all federal roads with the inscription ‘This is a federal road, bear with us. But today, we know Edo people ply these roads, and it is now Edo roads, and by the grace of God, we will continue to move forward to see that our people enjoy good roads across the state.
“Working for my people is the only thing that can bring Edo happiness and joy. Reducing the time of travel along this road is our achievement. A journey that will take up to four hours is now 45 minutes.
“We have keyed into Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has given Edo people hope. Hope for progress. With this road, prices of products will go down as the good road will reduce travelling time and positively affect the cost of transporting goods and services.”
The governor also inspected Ekiuwa University of Benin Road (Temboga road extension), Oba Erediuwa Road, off Upper Mission Road, Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, new Uteh Road, and Ekiuwa Quarters.
Gov Okpebholo took time to inspect a massive drainage at Uteh Temboga, which was constructed to channel flood water around the area into the Ikpoba River.
Speaking on his determination to continue infrastructural development in Edo State, the governor said he is not working just for the sake of working, but because he wants to improve the lives of the Edo people who entrusted him with their mandate to lead them.
“I work because I love my people and want to give them the best. I work because I have a working president who asks me about Edo people at every point in time. I need to show him proof of what I am doing for my people. I want Edo people to know that their votes were worth it, and the only way to pay them back is to work for them and ensure their lives get better,” he stated.
The governor and his entourage also inspected a gully site at Temboga, which had claimed several houses and turned landlords into tenants.
